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Marketplace Africa –more than just an African artisan shopping site

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Chinwe Ezenwa –Le Look Every handmade bag is a work of art. Each print tells a story, a struggle, a personal journey. Thirty-five years ago, Chinwe Ezenwa started a company she named “Le Look.” Born out of the purpose to help the needy, especially those disabled, it was built out of compassion for those disabled close to her because she saw that even though someone cannot hear or speak, that person can see and can still use his or her creative mind.   Le Look has evolved from a salon into a style house. Famous for its eclectic African print handbags, Le Look is a brand that celebrates and honors African tradition through a lens that is distinctive, modern and qualitative. Every handmade bag is a work of art. Each print tells a story, a struggle, a personal journey. Chinwe is very passionate about informing the world of the stories and beauty of Nigeria and she does just that with her collection of exquisite handmade handbags, worn on the arms of women all over the world, as she puts Africa’s great creative energy to use! As Chief Mrs. Chinwe says, “I always insist on putting a Made in Nigeria label on my products because that is how it is done in China.” Le Look bags are beautiful because they are a work of art. Although Le Look has grown as a brand, using state-of-the-art technology with the capacity to make tens of thousands of bags, we have not lost sight of the purpose from which we started. We remain passionate about giving back to our community because we believe the world we live in should be a safe and joyful place for all of us. Le Look bags are 100% handmade in Nigeria masterpieces that are leaving their prints on fashion – pun intended. Today, Le Look is a brand.  Le Look is a culture. Le Look is a voice.

 “Everyone has a story to tell, a lesson to teach, and wisdom to share. Life is a beautiful masterpiece bound together by your experiences. Open up and share your story; become an inspiration to others. You can make a difference because you matter.” –Melanie Moushigian Koulouris

Everyone has a story. The talented artisans who sell on Marketplace Africa are no exception. The noteworthy site, founded by Mall for Africa and DHL, has a mission to help bring African-made products to the US and global market.  Shoppers can purchase gorgeous products directly from the source. The site offers items from the continent’s most talented designers and artisans from a variety of categories including fashion, body care, handbags, jewelry and home décor.

Until recently, African craftspeople were isolated from global customers due to distance, the risk of not receiving overseas payments, and complex shipping requirements.  Customers who wished to purchase products directly from African artisans faced obstacles regarding, accessibility of items, authenticity and validation of the product, uncertainty of delivery, high delivery costs, and secure payments.

Here is just one story from the hundreds of talented artisans on Marketplace Africa. Her name is Chinwe Ezenwa and she makes beautiful handbags.

Get Ready to Define YOU!

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Get ready for the ultimate in moisture that lets you define YOU. Mixed Chicks’ Coil, Kink and Curl is one of their newest products that is great for styling while nourishing too!

Sold worldwide, the top selling brand for the “curly set” has been letting customers globally pamper themselves.

Their Coil, Kink and Curl is yet another amazing addition to their product line and features:

  • Six nourishing oils to help retain moisture
  • Makes styling easy
  • Great for for wash & go, finger styling, two strand twists, coils and spirals.
  • Promotes growth and adds definition
  • Ideal for thicker, fuller textures

The Coil, Kink and Curl is great for Wash-n-Go and to extend your favorite styles. Grab some and style as YOU wish! $12- available on www.mixedchicks.net as well as stores nationwide including Target, Rite Aid and more.
Let me know if you are interested in featuring the Coil, Kink and Curl and if you’d like a sample – thank you!

The flowers are blooming – are your curls?

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It’s time to let the curls bloom! Mixed Chicks’ Coil, Kink and Curl lets you wash & go so you can get back to enjoying all things nature now that spring has sprung. Apply to wet hair and then allow to dry or use it for protective styles such as  Bantu knots or two strand twists by applying liberally and styling as desired.

The Coil, Kink and Curl features:

  • Six nourishing oils to help retain moisture Makes styling easy
  • Great for for wash & go, finger styling, two strand twists, coils and spirals.
  • Ideal for thicker, fuller textures

With the sun ready to shine, let your curls blossom the way nature intended with Mixed Chicks’ Coil, Kink and Curl!

$12- available on www.mixedchicks.net as well as stores nationwide including Target, Rite Aid and more.

Asbestos Found in Claire’s Kids Makeup

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New studies indicate asbestos contamination in Claire’s makeup products sold nationally; Policymakers should regulate asbestos

Independent lab results confirm that makeup U.S PIRG Education Fund found for sale at Claire’s retail stores across the country is contaminated with asbestos, which causes cancer. Parents and consumers need to know about these asbestos-laden makeup products. We alerted Claire’s to these test results more than a week ago and asked the company to recall these items immediately and to inform customers. Claire’s has responded, stating that it has not found asbestos contamination in its makeup products.

“Parents should be able to trust that the makeup they buy for their kids is safe,” said Elise Orlick, Director of the WashPIRG Foundation. “Claire’s should immediately recall the three makeup products and investigate how such high levels of asbestos were found in these products.”

 

Using an accredited laboratory, U.S. PIRG Education Fund tested 15 kids’ and adult’s makeup products containing talc from several different brands. The products that tested positive for asbestos were re-tested to confirm the results. Both rounds of test results were given to Claire’s and the FDA.

Lab results showed three Claire’s makeup products contained asbestos:

  1. Claire’s Contour Palette: tested for 84,746 fibers of asbestos per gram of product

  2. Claire’s Shadow and Highlight Finishing Kit: tested for 61,538 fibers of asbestos per gram of product

  3. Claire’s Compact Powder: tested for 153,846 fibers of asbestos per gram of product

“There’s no safe limit of asbestos in cosmetics,” said Sonya Kenkare, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. “Congress and the FDA should take immediate action to ensure that the products we use daily, especially those marketed towards kids and teens, are free of asbestos contamination.”

 

“It is unacceptable to find asbestos in any products, especially products being sold to kids,” said Linda Reinstein, President and CEO of The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).

 

No one adds pure asbestos to makeup. However, asbestos can occur naturally in talc, and talc is commonly added to cosmetics. Sparkly, shimmery, and powdery makeup often contains talc as a major ingredient. Inhaling or ingesting any form of asbestos can lead to serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Repeated topical exposure to asbestos may also result in increased skin cancer risk.

We decided to test the makeup when Claire’s recalled nine makeup products in December, after a North Carolina-based lab showed the makeup tested positive for asbestos. Claire’s later released a statement that, according to its internal testing, it did not find any asbestos in its products. However, our new testing on different products suggests that the asbestos problem at Claire’s is pervasive and ongoing. Policymakers should require makeup companies to test products for asbestos, especially those containing talc, prior to selling them. Consumers should contact makeup companies directly to find out if their products’ talc is sourced safely.

“We have to better regulate deadly, asbestos-laced products. We’ve known that for decades. It makes no sense that our kids may bring them home from the mall,” said Orlick.

 

Read our full report on asbestos in Claire’s makeup here. Read our response to Claire’s comments regarding our research here.

 

FILM PRODUCER ATTENDS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS EVENT AT UPPERCUTS SALON AND SPA

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Jelani James is a 29 year old man of many trades. He is a Maryland attorney (JD James & Associates, P.C.), management consultant, director, producer, writer, and musician. RDX films is dedicated to the creation and delivery of premier critically acclaimed content, inspired by the need for diverse, evocative, groundbreaking, thought-provoking, passionate and insightful storytelling, coupled with the application of emerging technologies, which evokes emotion and enriches both mainstream and niche consumers worldwide.

Jelani attended the prostate cancer awareness event at Uppercuts Salon and Spa on December 3, 2017 along with Broadway actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and actor Leon Robinson.  The event provided attendees like Jelani with educational information on prostate cancer and preventative care of the disease.

“I was pleased to see Upper Cuts take a stance on prostate cancer and take action to spread awareness and encourage screenings for early detection of the disease.  I have a personal connection to the cause as my family has recently suffered the loss of three beloved family members to various forms of cancer, including a cousin my age who was not aware of his illness until Stage 4.  This is an issue which affects young and old alike, making early detection an issue of paramount importance, so I am eager to support all events or causes aimed at impacting the prevalence of the disease,” stated Jelani.

Jelani hopes other industry leaders will also get involved in taking a stance on their health and spreading awareness/ preventive methods for the disease.

 

Learn more about Jelani and his work as a film producer by visiting https://www.rdxfilms.com/

 

Christmas Gift Ideas for All the Men in Your Life

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Mr Mac is an awesome place to shop for suits and random men’s apparel. I went in today looking for an Christmas outfit for that special man of the house . I was recommended to shop here by men’s wearhouse in olympia.

The colors and available sizes in the story was amazing . The Salesmen help you all the way and make you feel at home. I managed to get a whole suit with matching hat and shoes. Awesome environment, hospitality, and prices.

MACs Fashion LTD

This long-running retailer of men’s clothing offers suits & casualwear as well as shoes & hats.
1124 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Hours:  · 10AM–4PM. Phone: (253) 383-2737

Chance Fashion Making the world a more beautiful & inclusive place

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Making the world a more beautiful & inclusive place, Chance provides a continuous outlet for Fashion Artists to come together, practice their trade, & build their local fashion community. Each monthly show features a new theme to include a broad diversity of genres, one-on-one photo opportuties for participants, and a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming trends & styles by independent Designers. TICKETS:http://chancefashion.strangertickets.com/events/39493225/chance-fashions-winter-clothing-amp-eco-friendly-edition

Chance Fashion is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing resources & opportunities to fashion artists of all levels. For more info, or to register as a participant, please visit www.ChanceFashion.org

FEATURED DESIGNERS:
– Lisa Vian Hunter
– Annavel LLC
– Medusa’s Maidens Designs

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
– Tatoosh Distillery, the official whiskey of Chance Fashion.
– Alphabet Vodka, the vodka Northwest Fashion Models prefer.
– TTA Studios, more than just a talent agency.

Chance Fashion is produced by Active Entertainment, dedicated to connecting Artists & the Community since 2008. For more information about Event & Entertainment services, please visit www.ActivateTheArts.com

Lottabody® Adds ‘Shake-To-Activate’ Leave-In Conditioner & Curl Twisting Pudding To Family Of Multi-Textured Hair Products  

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The New FORTIFY ME Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner & TWIST ME Curl Styling Pudding Makes Hair Styling Effortless

New FORTIFY ME Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner, New TWIST ME Curl Styling Pudding

The company behind the world’s best setting lotion, Lottabody®, has announced the addition of two new products to its signature collection of coconut and shea oil-infused styling products: FORTIFY ME Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner (SRP: $4.49. 8 fl. oz.) and TWIST ME Curl Styling Pudding (SRP: $5.99 7 oz.). There are now thirteen affordably priced, multi-textured hair care products in the Lottabody® line-up, providing a diverse array of hair styling products designed to grow, retain and maintain healthy hair. “With 71% of African-American adults in the U.S. wearing a natural hair style at least once in 2016, according to research firm Mintel, multi-textured hair is the ‘new’ black,” said Pat Williams, Master Educator at Revlon Multicultural, the parent company of Lottabody®. “Because of the uniqueness of natural hair, loose waves to tightly coiled curl patterns, natural hair care products must address the needs of this hair to prevent dryness, aid in styling versatility and promote healthy hair.”The New FORTIFY ME Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner is a ‘shake-to-activate’ two-phase system comprised of penetrating hair oils and conditioning moisturizers, which helps strengthen, condition and prevent hair breakage. FORTIFY ME Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner may be used on all hair types – curly, kinky, wavy, relaxed and transitioning. Product benefits include: heat protection, braids refreshment, strengthening for hair transitioning and taming flyaways. For maximum results, pair with Lottabody® HYDRATE ME Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner.

The New TWIST ME Curl Styling Pudding is uniquely formulated with natural ingredients to deeply penetrate and nourish natural hair textures, resulting in soft, shiny and ‘crunch-free’ hair while preventing breakage to fragile hair shafts. This cream-based ‘hair treat’ is free from petrolatum, mineral oils and sulfates and is perfect for defining hair for twist and braid outs without drying, shrinking and flaking.

“Lottabody® is providing a variety of options and formulas to ensure our consumers can find the right fit for their hair type,” Williams said.

Availability: The FORTIFY ME Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner (8 fl. oz.) retails for $4.49 USD and TWIST ME Curl Styling Pudding (7 oz.) retails for $5.99 USD. Both products have launched in beauty and barber supply stores nationwide. For more information on where to purchase these products, go to: http://lottabody.com/where-to-buy/.

The Melanin Movement

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Mrs. Sheila Patton organized The Melanin Movement event September 30. A Chicago transplant, Sheila noticed a void in the African-American Community upon her arrival here in the Pacific Northwest, especially among the women. During her dialog with the crowd of nearly 100 African-American Women at the event she stated, “Where I am from people address and

acknowledge each other..”, she found Seattle to be cold. A phenomena known as “The Seattle Freeze”.    Sheila decided to do something about it.  Having built a platform in the community and being known and recognized as a vocalist, make-up artist, and model at local Greater Seattle Area venues and events, and with the support of her husband, David Patton, Sheila spearheaded: The Melanin Movement of Seattle. One of the goals being to build and foster support in the African-American Community.  With the backing of various sponsors, Sheila hosted a free event at Luther’s Table in Renton. Nearly 100 Black Women gathered to celebrate community, love, and uplifting support of each other. All ages, Nationalities, skin-tones, and aesthetic beauty was applauded and each woman was addressed as Queen upon entering the establishment walking across a red carpet.   There was entertainment, singing by Destiny King, (Queen). And spoken-word by LoveSea the Poet, (Queen), and a panel of Queen entrepreneur’s and community members who shared freely their personal triumphs and tragedies for the edification, and encouragement of all to keep striving and thriving to reach your goals.  A Meetup Group was suggested by an attendee, in order to keep all the Queens in touch and abreast of upcoming events the group could come out to support in mass. There were vendors, raffles, and giveaway’s. The whole time was full of positive energy and good vibrations.

By: Tana Yasu/ Contributor – NW FACTS Media Group

 

 

The Uphoriq Men’s Event

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hosted by Endurance of the Seattle Gents,
Creates synergistic energy in the up and coming fashion industry of Seattle! Bringing together young professionals and entrepreneurs showcasing mens fashion, mens accessories, and mens grooming.
The first of it’s kind event fashion conscious people networking, learning about new grooming and new fashion trends. The Setting- Seattle Art Museum, live music by James Loin, (Hip-Hop), two DJ’s: Dj Peg, and Vitamin D kept the energy levels on high with sounds reverberating off marble walls and pillars. Event attendees took full advantage of having the freedom and opportunity to “bust a move” in a museum after dark! Special guest: Tony Shellman of MECCA, ENYCE, and Parish Clothing fame was presented with special accolades, and in turn “Blessed” the launch of the Uphoriq Brand. A portion of the proceeds will be benefiting National Adoption Foundation. Also in attendance, representatives from several local boutiques and stores such as Cool, Urbanity, and Alive and Well.